q. 4 Turn to Language

In general

  • Lang. as a Social Performance, as Productive:
    • used to Construct diff. versions if Reality
    • to achieve Social Objects
  • vs. Lang. Assumptions:
    • it provides unambiguous signs, w/w label internal states, w/w describe external reality

Critique of Cognitivism,
unfounded Assumptions
on Lang. & Representation:

  1. Talk is the Route to Cognition

Assumption

Critic

  1. Cognitions are based on Perceptions

Assumption

Critics

  1. An Objective Perception of reality is theoretically possible
  1. There are Consensual objects of Thought
  1. There are Cognitive Structures that are relatively Enduring

What characterizes Discursive Psych.

  • Concerned w Discursive practices, what ppl Do w Lang, & emphasizes the Performative qualities of lang
  • asks: how use lang to negotiate and manage soc. interaction to achieve personal goals (attribute blame, etc.). Focus on how use Discursive resources w/what Effects
  • interest in how Psych. Concepts are used in Context, rather than what they are or do

Limitations:

  • Focus on Discourse and Not on ppl: "the lack of a person". - too narrow Behavioristic focus: Not concerned with Private Subjectivity, but Public discourse
  • not accounts for why pursue discursive goals
  • analysis limited to text: no need to look outside the text

Verbal expressions express cognitions that are simultaneously happening in the mind

  • expressing smth happens in a Conversation where ppl have smth at stake.
  • to understand meaning, look at the Social Context and what smn is trying to Achieve/Do

cognitions are Representations of things out there

world can be read unlimited number of ways.
These are constructed by lang. Focus on Discourse and Conversation where meanings are created and negotiated